Wednesday Wine News - and a Little Whiskey for fun...
Your Weekly Pour of All Things Wonderful and Wine-ful
Hello, dear readers! As we continue through March 2025, the wine scene offers a variety of events and tastings to enrich your wine journey. Here's what's on the horizon.
Sparkling Wine Tasting at The Wine Pair
Want to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon with yours truly drinking Champagne and talking all things sparkling? On 12th April I will host a sparkling wine tasting in The Wine Pair at 3pm - it’s the perfect start to a night on the town. Grab your wine loving friends, taste some gorgeous bottles and book yourself a fabulous dinner post tasting! Guests will explore various sparkling wines, from traditional methods and taste lesser-known varieties. Know your Crémant from your Cava, or want to explore the fascinating world of bubbles? This will be a gorgeous afternoon of fun and fizz. Tickets are priced at €50 and can be purchased here.
Joh Jos Prüm Wine Dinner at Dede, Co. Cork
For lovers of fine dining and exceptional wine, this is a rare and unmissable event. The two-Michelin-starred Dede in Baltimore, Co. Cork, is set to host an exquisite five-course tasting menu, expertly paired with wines from one of Germany’s most revered producers, Joh Jos Prüm.
Known for crafting some of the world’s finest Rieslings in the Mosel Valley, Joh Jos Prüm wines are celebrated for their elegance, purity, and age-worthy complexity. This exclusive dinner will offer guests the chance to experience these stunning wines alongside Dede’s innovative and flavour-driven cuisine. Expect a menu that highlights the restaurant’s signature blend of Turkish and Irish influences, with dishes carefully curated to complement the minerality, precision, and layered fruit of Prüm’s wines.
With such a prestigious pairing of food and wine, tickets for this event are expected to sell out quickly. To secure your place at this extraordinary evening, email jacques@customhousebaltimore.com to book your table.
Lock in, Lock Out
Is your phone taking over your life, are you obsessed with ensuring you get your daily TTT (Tiktok time)? Lock 13 have the answer. Every Wednesday they’ll be hosting Lock In, Lock Out from 4pm - 9pm. Enjoy their early bird menu at €25 or go à la carte and allow the staff to whisk your phone away for safe keeping - you’ll get a carafe of house wine or organic kombucha to toast with your dining partner. As a self-employed woman who feels constantly “on” and glued to her phone (9-5 hours don’t exist in this line of work) I love this idea. Yes, I love snapping a picture of my dinner, but too often we’re having dinner with friends and family while checking the phone - God forbid we miss an all important notification. Having spent hundreds of euro, on multiple occasions, to have dinner with a friend, only to stare at the top of their skull half the night while they updated me on Tom, Dick AND Harry’s shenanigans I am all for logging off and locking into quality time.
Curious Vines Partners with Rauzan-Ségla for Education Award
Curious Vines, a support group for women and non-binary individuals in the wine trade, has announced an education award in collaboration with the esteemed Bordeaux estate, Rauzan-Ségla. The Rauzan-Ségla Curious Vines Bordeaux Education Award will provide a two-day discovery trip to Bordeaux for five recipients, including visits to Châteaux Berliquet, Canon, and Rauzan-Ségla. The program includes technical visits, tastings, masterclasses, and discussions with industry professionals. One awardee will also enroll in the Wine Scholar Guild’s Bordeaux Masters program and attend the Bordeaux Index 10 Years On Tasting. Applications are open until April 4th, with recipients notified by April 18th.
Absolute Beginners Wine Tasting
For those new to wine tasting, an Absolute Beginners Wine Tasting is set for April 19th at The Wine Buff in Rathmines. This event aims to introduce participants to the basics of wine tasting, helping them identify aromas, flavours, and textures with confidence. You'll start the evening with a glass of Prosecco before exploring two whites and three reds. It's an ideal starting point for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation for wine, tickets are a steal at €25.
Women in Wine Expo 2025
The Women in Wine Expo returns for its 2025 edition, taking place from May 20th to 22nd. This highly anticipated international gathering is dedicated to fostering connections between women across all facets of the wine industry, from winemakers and sommeliers to educators, importers, and marketers.
This year's expo will feature an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers, panel discussions on the latest trends in wine, and hands-on masterclasses led by industry experts. Attendees can look forward to guided tastings, deep dives into emerging markets, and invaluable networking opportunities with like-minded professionals. For registration details and a full programme breakdown, visit the Women in Wine Expo website.
Westport Wine Tasting Evening with Brigid O’Hora (March 28th)
For those in the west of Ireland, The Old Grainstore in Westport is hosting a fantastic wine tasting evening with Brigid O’Hora on March 28th. Brigid, a well-respected wine expert and educator, will guide guests through a selection of wines, sharing insights into their origins, flavour profiles, and ideal pairings. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just starting your journey, this promises to be an engaging and enjoyable evening. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Laurent-Perrier Champagne Dinner at The K Club
A night of elegance and exceptional Champagne awaits at The K Club on April 11th, where a Laurent-Perrier Champagne Dinner will take centre stage. Guests will indulge in a multi-course gourmet meal, each dish expertly paired with Laurent-Perrier’s iconic champagnes. From the delicate La Cuvée Brut to the prestige of Grand Siècle, this is an opportunity to explore one of the world’s most renowned Champagne houses in a setting of pure luxury. . The K Club’s multi award-winning Chief Sommelier Lisa O’Doherty will take diners through each of the wines. Expect a meticulously curated menu, sparkling conversation, and a truly unforgettable evening. Secure your spot via Eventbrite.
Sip Into Spring Wine Tasting Event
Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a wine tasting that embraces the fresh, vibrant flavours of the season? The Sip Into Spring Wine Tasting Event on April 19th will showcase a specially curated selection of light, floral whites, delicate rosés, and fruit-forward reds, all perfect for the warmer months ahead. Whether you're looking for a new go-to bottle for alfresco dining or simply want to broaden your palate, this relaxed and fun tasting is the perfect way to discover your next favourite springtime wine. Grab your tickets via Eventbrite.
Lisa McCully’s New Wine Book – The Divine Wine Guide
For those looking to drink better wine with confidence, Lisa McCully has just released The Divine Wine Guide—a beautifully written, no-nonsense handbook for wine lovers of all levels. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated connoisseur, this book simplifies the often-intimidating world of wine, offering practical advice on choosing, tasting, and pairing wine without the guesswork. Expect engaging storytelling, expert tips, and a refreshingly accessible approach to wine appreciation.
If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of wine bottles, unsure of what to pick, this is the guide for you. Grab your copy now on Amazon.
Wine Adjacent
Whiskey & Vinyl Listening Night
The Women in Irish Whiskey collective is hosting a Whiskey & Vinyl Listening Night on April 25th. This unique event pairs curated whiskey selections with a vinyl soundtrack, offering an immersive tasting experience. More details and tickets are available on their website.
JT Pims Presents Writers’ Tears Whiskey Tasting
Whiskey lovers, take note! JT Pims is hosting a special Writers’ Tears Whiskey Tasting, offering a deep dive into this beloved Irish whiskey brand. Expect an evening of rich storytelling, expert-led tastings, and a chance to explore the nuances of Writers’ Tears expressions in a lively, welcoming setting. Whether you’re already a fan of the brand or new to Irish whiskey, this event promises a memorable sensory experience.
That wraps up this week's round-up! With so many exciting events and opportunities ahead, there's plenty to look forward to in the world of wine and spirits. Cheers to new experiences and discoveries!